Induction loop systems are used to assist the hearing impaired by transmitting amplified sound , i.e., music, speech, etc to NHS hearing aids. Demand for them is increasing due to new legislation aimed at preventing discrimination against disabled people. This page provides a brief summary of all new and existing legislation / standards relating to induction loop systems and their installation.

BS8300 (2002)

British Standard BS8300 is the new code of practice for the design of new buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people. The standard states that "a hearing enhancement system, using induction loop, infra-red or radio transmission, should be installed in rooms and spaces used for meetings, lectures, classes, performances, spectator sports or films, and used at service and reception counters where the background noise level is high or where glazed screens are used" ( 9.3.2 ). It pinpoints the following areas for consideration: seating waiting areas, ticket sales and information points, fitness suits and exercise studios, churches, cemetery chapels, education, cultural and scientific buildings.

THE DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT

The aim of the Disability Discrimination Act (1995)  is to stop discrimination against disabled people including the hearing impaired. The act was recently extended to cover education in schools and colleges and will be strengthened further in October 2004 as the Disability Rights Commission's (DRC) new code of practice comes into effect.

Service providers, i.e. companies or organisations offering goods, facilities and services to the general public, must make 'reasonable' adjustments' to ensure that they do not unlawfully discriminate against disabled people. Employers must also take measures to ensure that existing and potential employees are not disadvantaged in the workplace.

Under the Act, 'reasonable adjustments' including provision of various auxiliary aids, including temporary induction loop systems, to enable deaf or hard of hearing person to access goods, facilities or services available to the general public. At present, service providers do not have to make any permanent adjustment to their buildings. this, however, is about to change.  From October 2004, service providers will be required to install permanent induction loops and infra-red systems where it is impossible or unreasonable for the deaf or hard of hearing person to make use of a service.

Service providers who fail to make adequate provision for people with hearing disabilities face prosecution. Furthermore it is not enough to simply install an induction loop system - it must be properly maintained and staff must know how to use it. (DDA, Auxiliary aids and services 5.13).

Some examples of service providers covered under the Act are:

The DRC advises service providers to take steps now to prepare for their extended obligations.

BUILDING REGULATIONS (1992)

Current building regulations state that newly erected or substantially reconstructed non-domestic buildings must provide aids for hearing impaired. The aim is to both members of the public and employees to play a full part in conferences, committee meetings, etc.

Areas requiring cover include booking and ticket offices where the customer is separated by the vendor by a glazed screen, reception areas, auditoria and meeting rooms in excess of 100m²

The regulations state that a person with a hearing disability must receive a signal some 20dB above that received by a person with normal hearing. The system should be able to suppress reverberation, audience or other environmental noise.

THE CARE STANDARDS ACT (2002)

On April 2002, the government's new care standards Act came into force.

The new regulations demand that care homes provide certain adaptations and equipment for residents, specifically:-

'facilities, including communication aids (e.g. an induction loop system), and signs to assist the needs of all service users, taking account of the needs, for example, those with hearing impairment, where necessary.' (standard 22.6).

These are 'core requirements which will apply to all care homes providing accommodation and nursing or pesonal care for older people' in England. Regular inspections of homes and enforcement of new legislation will be carried out by the new National Care Standards Commission.

MEETING THE STANDARDS

From straightforward counter loop system for a shop, railway station or ticket office to a high quality assistive listening system for a church, theatre or seminar room  D & I Pearce Public Address Specialists can offer a wide range of induction loop equipment and an installation service meeting all current British Standards and Disability Discrimination Act requirements.

We are able to supply the full range of PDA Induction loop amplifiers to fulfil your listening requirements.